Compartment Syndrome in Children: Care Instructions

Compartment syndrome occurs when there is swelling inside a limb. The swelling causes pressure to build up and squeezes shut blood vessels and damages nerves. When the limb loses blood supply, it begins to ache. The ache increases to very severe pain. If compartment syndrome is not treated quickly, it can cause serious nerve and muscle damage and may lead to loss of the limb.

Compartment syndrome can happen if your child has a very bad injury such as a broken or crushed bone, a snake bite, a bad burn, or severe skin and tissue damage. It also can develop if a cast or wrapping is too tight. It happens most often in the arm or leg.

• Follow the doctor's instructions about activity during your child's healing process. If your child can do mild exercise, slowly increase your child's activity.
• Help your child get rest and sleep.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If your child had surgery, take care of the cuts (incisions) as they heal.
  • If your child has stitches, follow any specific instructions you got on how to take care of them. In general, keep the area clean and dry. Follow the doctor's instructions on when your child can get the incision wet.
  • If your child has strips of tape on the incision, leave the strips on until the doctor says it is okay to remove them.
• If your child has a splint or a cast, follow the instructions the doctor gives you.